Pack a healing punch with the adaptogen that has the power and strength of 10 horses! Pronounced ash-wahgon-da, this unique herb adapts with your body to help support a healthy brain, immune system and is great for sexual health. Ashwagandha is best known for its ability to help your body maintain vibrant health.

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Ashwagandha: Herb with the Strength of 10 Horses

It’s no secret the staff at Hanna’s Herb Shop are excited about the whole body support provided by adaptogenic herbs and we’ve got another reason to celebrate! Joining the line of Kroeger Herb’s Complete Concentrates is a highly acclaimed adaptogen, Ashwagandha (pronounced ash-wah-gon-dah) also known as “Winter Cherry.”

Adaptogen herbs get their name from their adaptable traits. They interact within each body in a unique way and find what’s wrong and attempt to fix it. They are cherished in ancient medicine as “longevity herbs,” adaptogens harmonize with your body, providing a multitude of benefits. Among the most well-known adaptogens in the western world is Schizandra, made popular by Dr. Oz, who brought attention to the herb calling it a “miracle remedy for anti-aging.”

Ashwagandha has potent antioxidant properties to help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals

It’s no secret the staff at Hanna’s Herb Shop are excited about the whole body support provided by adaptogenic herbs and we’ve got another reason to celebrate! Joining the line of Kroeger Herb’s Complete Concentrates is a highly acclaimed adaptogen, Ashwagandha (pronounced ash-wah-gon-dah) also known as “Winter Cherry.”

Adaptogen herbs get their name from their adaptable traits. They interact within each body in a unique way and find what’s wrong and attempt to fix it. They are cherished in ancient medicine as “longevity herbs,” adaptogens harmonize with your body, providing a multitude of benefits. Among the most well-known adaptogens in the western world is Schizandra, made popular by Dr. Oz, who brought attention to the herb calling it a “miracle remedy for anti-aging.”

Ashwagandha, one of the most vital herbs in Ayurvedic healing, has been used for thousands of years for a number of complaints and conditions and is most highly praised for its restorative properties following an illness. Also known as “Indian Ginseng”, it is known to pack a healing “punch” and to have significant restorative properties for the brain, immune system, and sleep regulation. Ashwagandha has often been referred to as having the “power of 10 horses” indicating the herb imparts the vigor and strength of a stallion, especially important when the body has been worn down due to sickness, surgery, or chronic illnesses.

A natural sedative, Ashwagandha can help ease stress and anxiety

Slowly gaining popularity among health and wellness enthusiasts in the western world, one of its unique properties is that Ashwagandha interacts with the body’s thyroid. By regulating thyroid hormones, which control energy levels through the body’s metabolism process, Ashwagandha can provide relief for a number of ailments. In ancient times, the herb was applied directly to tumors. As with many adaptogens the herb will help regulate blood glucose levels and therefore may be beneficial to diabetics. Osteoarthritis patients may also take interest in Ashwagandha as it can provide symptom and pain relief. The herb is a natural sedative and can help ease stress and anxiety. Along with antioxidants and medicinal compounds, it’s a great source of iron (high iron content will support the increase of hemoglobin levels which is good for those who are anemic).

Ashwagandha Imparts

Immune Support: When our bodies are battling or recovering from an illness it’s important to provide it proper rest, hydration, and nourishing foods. While we all try our best to keep our systems in check, adaptogenic herbs can help to speed healing and get us back to feeling better than before. Ashwagandha, like all adaptogens, supports immune system functions but what makes this herb even more special is that it can also ease the inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with illnesses. Because of its ability to decrease pain and inflammation, Ashwagandha has shown promise in easing the complaints of arthritis and chronic conditions involving inflammation (like backaches). A final benefit to the immune system from this adaptogenic herb is its ability to increase white blood cell production. With a high white blood cell count we are able to fight illness and disease which has made Ashwagandha a go-to choice in Indian herbal medicine for people in recovery looking to rebuild their internal system.

Brain Function: There are so many well-known herbs, like Ginkgo biloba, to support proper brain function and Ashwagandha is a strong contender for brain health. This herb promotes healthy circulation by improving the flow of blood from small blood vessels (which are integral in memory, focus, and in preventing brain cell degeneration).

Improved Sleep and Energy: Like other adaptogens, Ashwagandha acts as your body requires and is especially helpful if you’re experiencing too many nights spent counting sheep. Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Feeling groggy in the morning even if you get 8 full hours? Dragging by the time you hit the mid-day, 4 o’clock slump? Try Ashwagandha for restful and rejuvenating sleep and to restore those bright eyes in the mornin’!

Sound too good to be true? Often adaptogenic herbs seem to be a cure-all and an impossible remedy but with thousands of years of successful, healing use, we maintain our excitement surrounding these herbs. The beneficial constituents of Ashwagandha are amino acids, with anolides, alkaloids, choline, and fatty acids–all integral parts of the healthy inner-workings of your body. As with all adaptogens, the use of Ashwagandha will yield benefits quickly, and most people feel improvement within a few weeks. However, the benefits will continually improve before plateauing around the three-month mark. At this time, you may want to consider switching to another adaptogen such as Rhodiola Rosea, Schizandra, or Ginseng to maintain whole body support. Once you’ve taken a break from Ashwagandha for a few months, you can begin to take the herb again to experience its healing properties anew.

Benefits of This Powerful Adaptogen!

Ashwagandha have been known to improve the function of the reproductive system and promote healthy sexual and reproductive balance. It is used for arthritis, anxiety, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, fibromyalgia, menstrual problems, hiccups, high blood pressure, chronic liver disease, and tuberculosis (however women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Ashwagandha because not enough research has been done to ensure safety).

“Elixirs of Life” – Adaptogen Herbs for Natural Longevity

Adaptogen herbs get their name from their “adaptable” traits. Adaptogens interact with each body in a unique way. By regulating various hormones, these powerful herbs can provide all-over body support. Cherished in ancient medicine as “longevity herbs,” adaptogens harmonize with your body, providing a multitude of benefits. Among the most well-known adaptogens in the western world is Schizandra, made popular by Dr. Oz, who called the herb a miracle remedy for anti-aging. Schizandra is called the “Eastern Prince” for its power and strength. Several herbs provide benefits similar to Schizandra and Ginseng. In fact, other herbs may even address your personal needs more directly.

Certain icons throughout history are so important we are unable to overlook them. They have left such a lasting impression on our society that their mark will go down in history, forever remembered for their strength. In the world of herbs and natural health, Ginseng is one of those icons.

Ginseng – an Herbal Icon of Life

By the early 1900s, stories of ginseng’s soul-strengthening, eye-brightening, and heart-opening abilities had spread so far that Korea could no longer keep up with the world-wide demand. Deep in the Manchuria Mountains of China, Ginseng was originally used as food, but the positive effect the root had on villagers was undeniable. By the third century AD, ginseng was so highly valued for its strength-giving and rejuvenating powers that it had become an emblem of life itself. The demand for ginseng root had become so high that it fueled the Chinese silk trade in Korea. Many Chinese emperors revered the herb so strongly that they were willing to pay buckets of gold for a single root, in hopes of becoming the strongest and most agile emperor in history. Ginseng became an icon of health and life.

Modern research has provided us with copious amounts of information about the miracle root Ginseng. With more than 28 therapeutic elements, ginseng is rich in vitamins and minerals, and can truly help the body in a natural way. Ginseng is one of the few herbs known as an adaptogen. Ginseng has led the way for adaptogen herbs throughout most of the world, and is now widely available as an herbal tincture.

The Power of Adaptogens

Adaptogen herbs get their name from their “adaptable” traits. Adaptogens interact with each body in a unique way. By regulating various hormones, these powerful herbs can provide all-over body support. Cherished in ancient medicine as “longevity herbs,” adaptogens harmonize with your body, providing a multitude of benefits. Among the most well-known adaptogens in the western world is Schizandra, made popular by Dr. Oz, who called the herb a miracle remedy for anti-aging. Schizandra is called the “Eastern Prince” for its power and strength. Several herbs provide benefits similar to Schizandra and Ginseng. In fact, other herbs may even address your personal needs more directly.

An Elixir of Life – Tulsi

Holy Basil has been taken for decades to promote longevity of life

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is referred to as an “elixir of life” in Ayurveda. Also thought to promote longevity, Tulsi helps balance hormones in the body. The herb will benefit type 2 diabetics by reducing blood glucose levels, and may reduce cholesterol. Like many adaptogens, Tulsi is rich in antioxidants, which gives it strong anti-tumoral properties, protects the body from radiation, and scavenges for free radicals. As a cardioprotective medicine, Tulsi promotes good heart health. Its beneficial properties do not end there—an immunity booster, Tulsi preparations have been used to treat the common cold and ward off infection!

Ashwagandha – Ginseng’s potent and undiscovered cousin

Also an Indian herb, Ashwagandha is slowly gaining popularity among health and wellnessenthusiasts. Known as Indian Ginseng by some, Ashwagandha interacts with the body’s Thyroid. By regulating Thyroid hormones, Ashwagandha can provide relief for a number of ailments. In ancient times, the herb was applied directly to tumors. Its antioxidant properties may slow the growth of cancer cells. As with many adaptogens, the herb will help regulate blood glucose levels and therefore may be beneficial to diabetics. Ostearthritis patients may also take interest in Ashwagandha, as it can provide symptom and pain relief. The herb is naturally sedative, and can help ease stress and anxiety. Along with antioxidants and medicinal compounds, Ashwagandha is a great source of iron. Its high iron content will increase hemoglobin levels, which is beneficial to anemic patients.

Decline of Testosterone in Men – Symptoms and Natural Treatment of Andropause

Hey men! If you learned you were diabetic, would you keep the information to yourself and not seek help or would you choose to find answers, modify your diet and move on with your life in a healthier way? We hope you’d choose the latter. What if you had a toothache that bothered you day in and day out… would you keep that to yourself or get some relief by visiting your dentist? Again, we’re hoping you’d seek help. There is an unfortunate and culturally encouraged stigma for men surrounding health and wellness and has impacted the comfort men feel in seeking advice or treatment for a number of complaints. While it’s perfectly acceptable for women to discuss hormonal imbalances and the changes of the body associated with menopause, most men do not feel comfortable exploring the topic of male menopause, andropause. We’ve got information to get you on the right track for assessing andropause and reducing the symptoms but it’s up to you to act!

Hey men! If you learned you were diabetic, would you keep the information to yourself and not seek help or would you choose to find answers, modify your diet and move on with your life in a healthier way? We hope you’d choose the latter. What if you had a toothache that bothered you day in and day out… would you keep that to yourself or get some relief by visiting your dentist? Again, we’re hoping you’d seek help. There is an unfortunate and culturally encouraged stigma for men surrounding health and wellness and has impacted the comfort men feel in seeking advice or treatment for a number of complaints. While it’s perfectly acceptable for women to discuss hormonal imbalances and the changes of the body associated with menopause, most men do not feel comfortable exploring the topic of male menopause, andropause. We’ve got information to get you on the right track for assessing andropause and reducing the symptoms but it’s up to you to act!

The symptoms of andropause are similar to those women experience during menopause and for good reason. Symptoms of both menopause and andropause are caused by a decline in hormone levels associated with aging. Though andropause was identified in the medical community in the 1940′s, its controversial existence has kept it from the mainstream and added to the stigma of men keeping health concerns to themselves.

As men age, the level of testosterone in the body decrease and testosterone production slows. According to some sources, after the age of 30, testosterone declines by 10% each decade impacting mood, sexual function, energy, muscle strength and stamina as you age. Modern medicine lumps the symptoms of andropause under the umbrella term of “sexual frustration” and attempts to “cure” the issue with products like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. While these products are useful in avoiding sexual dysfunction associated with decreased levels of testosterone and improve libido, they are addressing only one symptom and not the actual problem. During andropause the body needs testosterone to function properly and deficiency in this hormone impacts more than the bedroom.

Common Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency:

Fatigue, tiredness

Decreased stamina

Decreased libido (sex drive)

Erectile dysfunction

Muscle weakness

Depression

Mood swings

Hot flashes

Palpitations

Insomnia

Inability to concentrate

Antisocial tendencies

The balance of testosterone is important for normal function and if the body is deficient, the effects are noticeable and frustrating. Like women, men are able to use HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapies. These therapies utilize synthetic medications to lessen the impact of hormonal imbalances but their use is controversial. Injectable testosterone, for example, has been abused recently by athletes so the FDA has made testosterone a scheduled drug, placing it in the same class as prescription drugs and narcotics. Where athletes were looking for a quick fix to increase muscle mass and hoped the introduction of concentrated testosterone into their bodies would pump them up to the equivalent of Superman, this wasn’t the case. The side effects of using synthetic testosterone are more severe than those of testosterone deficiencies. Possible risks associated with HRT for men are an increased risk for prostate cancer, increased risk for heart disease, breast enlargement, liver disease and suppressed testicle function. HRT, like injectable testosterone, clearly doesn’t prove to be a reliable or healthy option for improving the function of the body and maintaining the balance of hormones but the good news is, it’s not the only option!

Just as women are able to seek the benefits of natural remedies for their hormonal imbalances, so too are men. Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used for thousands of years to remedy various sexual issues and to improve the common complaints associated with andropause such as libido, energy levels, and mood. Our pick is Kroeger Herb’s Ashwagnandha Complete Concentrate. Read more about Ashwagandha. Tribulus Terrestris has been noted to increase the natural production of testosterone in the body within 10 daysand can help to alleviate symptoms of testosterone deficiency relatively quickly. For a product that can help maintain healthy testosterone levels and ease the complaints of the symptoms of deficiency, we like Men’s Virility Power from NOW. Maca is another remedy for andropause as it provides energy, improves mood and boosts libido and, like Ashwagandha, has been used for thousands of years! Even a small amount of Maca can assist with healthy hormonal balances and we’ve got a powder and a capsule that we love.

Changes in our body are inevitable and they are happening to everyone. The stigma surrounding men’s health where sexual function or strength are concerned may discourage you from speaking to someone about your experience but you are not alone and there are options. Andropause is a hormonal change that occurs because of a decrease in testosterone production. Unfortunately, until the stigma is removed, few men are willing to step forward to gain a better understanding of how they can naturally and effectively remedy the decline in testosterone production. We hope this post has served to educate you to choose natural solutions and encouraged you to take action for your good health!

Each year at Expo West in Anaheim, CA, Hanna’s Herb Shop checks out what’s new and coming up in the world of natural products and holistic healing, and we love to learn new ways we can bring better health to you. While we are leaning about new products, our sister company Kroeger Herb will be sharing their two newest Complete Concentrates with the world, Ashwagandha and Holy Basil.

Each year at Expo West in Anaheim, CA, Hanna’s Herb Shop checks out what’s new and coming up in the world of natural products and holistic healing, and we love to learn new ways we can bring better health to you. While we are leaning about new products, our sister company Kroeger Herb will be sharing their two newest Complete Concentrates with the world, Ashwagandha and Holy Basil.

It’s no secret that everyone at Kroeger and Hanna’s Herb Shop loves adaptogenic herbs and the amazing positive impact they have on our bodies and with the addition of these two adaptogenic powerhouses, there’s even more to be excited about.

Ashwagandha is said to have the power of 10 horses because of the benefits it provides to the body as it recovers from illness, stress, or chronic symptoms. This adaptogen has been celebrated in ancient medicine and continues to be praised today, especially for how it eases symptoms of stress and anxiety, as well as pain. Like other adaptogens, Ashwagandha provides a boost to the immune system and benefits brain function, sleep patterns, and energy levels.

Holy Basil is the most praised of all Ayurvedic herbs and is the most beneficial of all adaptogenic herbs for brain and mood disorders. From depression and stress to headaches or complaints of how to deal with emotional difficulties, Holy Basil relaxes the mind and benefits the brain. Aside from these positive impacts on the body, Holy Basil also reduces inflammation, eases skin issues (eczema, psoriasis, rashes), and can help to prevent premature aging by reversing cell and tissue damage while sweeping free radicals from the system due to its high antioxidant levels.

This is only a glimpse at the benefits of Ashwagandha and Holy Basil and their adaptogenic benefits. If you’d like to learn more about how these herbs can boost your mood, immune system, improve brain function, and so much more, check out these blog posts: